IFAD Former Presidents
2017-2022
Gilbert F. Houngbo, Togo
Gilbert F. Houngbo served as President of IFAD from 2017-2022. Under his leadership, IFAD received two AA+ public credit ratings and set a record target for resource mobilization in 2021, reaching US$1.55 billion in core contributions.
2009-2017
Kanayo F. Nwanze, Nigeria
Kanayo F. Nwanze served as President of IFAD for two terms, from 2009 to 2017. Nwanze was awarded the inaugural Africa Food Prize in September 2016 for his leadership of IFAD and his advocacy in putting Africa’s smallholder farmers at the centre of the global agricultural agenda.
2001-2009
Lennart Båge, Sweden
Lennart Båge served as President of IFAD for two terms, from 2001 to 2009. He chaired IFAD’s Governing Council from 1994-1996. Prior to serving as IFAD President, Båge was Deputy Director General and Head of Sweden’s Department for International Development Cooperation.
1993-2001
Fawzi Al-Sultan, Kuwait
Fawzi Al-Sultan served as President of IFAD for two terms, from 1993 to 2001. His tenure was marked by a major upward swing in poverty reduction. Prior to serving as IFAD President, Al-Sultan served as an Executive Director at the World Bank, preceded by a career in banking.
1984-1993
Idriss Jazairy, Algeria
Idriss Jazairy served as President of IFAD for two terms, from 1984 to 1993. Prior to serving as IFAD President, Jazairy was a member of the office of the Director General of UNESCO and represented Algeria in multiple government positions.
1977-1984
Abdelmuhsin M. Al-Sudeary, Saudi Arabia
Abdelmuhsin M. Al-Sudeary served as President of IFAD for two terms, from its establishment in 1977 to 1984. He served as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for IFAD in 1976. Under his direction, the Fund completed the necessary measures to become operational.